I make a very similar tote. Assorted scrap pieces of material can be used. Small pieces made into little totes for a birthday present, larger ones for other things. I have 20 of so bags around the house. One is even in the garage hanging on the wall with a crocket game inside. A nice black one made of corderoy is a "good" one to take stuff in when you're going out. I use about 10 of them for groceries (they will never break like plastic bags' handles and bottoms do). You can even add a pocket on the inside of your tote bag, velcro it shut if you want to.